Joe and I did this trip at the beginning of September 2004. Definitely one of the most memorable trips I have done. India is land of stark contrasts, pain and pleasure. I don't mean this in any derogatory way, it was a human zoo. This I mean in a sense that the variety of cultures, lifestyles and how things are done in India were beyond my wildest dream. I left India a different man. I learned to appreciate what I had.

Not all cows have it easy in India.

With the exception of the less fortunate cow, these were taken in Palolem, Goa. This area was very popular with backpackers when we were there. Not a lot of typical Indian culture, but a nice getaway for a few days.

Jaipur, the Pink City. The old part of town is amazing. This is a desert town and the heat was something else. Not sure whether it was something we ate or the climate but this is where both of us got "Delhi belly".

Part of me feels guilty for spending so much time in Goa, but it really is a great place to relax. Indian cities are fascinating and rich in culture and stimulation, but both of us really needed to take a load off. I am not sure I could go back to the world of 2 week vacations. It takes me that long just to unwind and leaves me with no time to enjoy my time off. Colva beach was breathtaking at night, when everyone came down to the beach. Great thing about Colva is that all the backpackers are at Palolem and it's mostly local tourists here.

Here is a hodgepodge of pictures from Delhi, Bombay, Goa, Bengalore and Madras.